Minnesota Vikings draft: Five potential safety targets

4. Darian Thompson, 6-2 215, Boise State

Thompson was selected first-team All-Mountain West two years running and was a Jim Thorpe award semifinalist in 2015. Last year he broke Eric Weddle’s conference record for most career interceptions.

Thompson may be the most well-rounded of all the safety prospects who figure to be available to the Vikings at #23. His athleticism is not elite, but it is good (we’ll see how he performs at the combine). Scouts give him high marks for his range and physicality, but downgrade him somewhat for occasional lack of discipline leading to missed tackles. He has also been applauded for his football intelligence and leadership.

If there’s one potential first-round safety in this draft who screams “Zimmer guy,” it’s Thompson. He is reputed to be smart, he seemingly possesses enough athleticism to fit into any scheme and by all accounts he has the work ethic to improve in the areas where he still struggles.

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